America's Got Talent wounded veteran not as he claims to be....

It was a story that took the internet fast, quickly being spotlighted all over the place, including the main page at Yahoo. His name is Timothy Poe, and his story and singing ability were heartwrenching....

My sister-in-law watched it with my nieces while my brother was recovering from a back operation, and she told me yesterday that they all cried when they watched him.

Only one problem, his story is a lie, and his fellow soldiers with the 114th Transportation Company weren't about to let it stand. They took to all the websites touting Poe, and told their stories, and explained how Poe had not been injured with a grenade, had never cleared buildings, had never earned a purple heart.

Eventually the Minn National Guard was forced to respond with a press release of their own:

Sgt. Timothy Michael Poe served in the Minnesota Army National Guard from Dec. 3, 2002 until May 26, 2011, and performed as a supply specialist.

His military records indicate that he served with the Minnesota National Guard in Kosovo from Oct. 10, 2007 until July 15, 2008, and was deployed to Afghanistan from July 28, 2009 to Aug. 30, 2009.

Sgt. Poe’s official military records do not indicate that he was injured by a grenade in combat while serving in Afghanistan in 2009, as he reports. The Minnesota National Guard can also confirm that he was not awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds sustained in combat.

And so, what could have been a great story about one man overcoming a speech impediment, and his honorable service in the military became the latest case of Stolen Valor.

I don't watch this show, but I got a phone call early yesterday morning asking me to get on this case. My caller knew this guy, and knew his story was made up. And this wasn't an on-the-spot fabrication, he's apparentlty been telling tall tales for years. Just look at this flyer from a golf tournament he partook in, all the information contained here is self-reported from Poe to the organizers:

As the National Guard release makes clear, he's added a lot of things. No purple heart, no bronze star, no Combat Infantryman's Badge, no tours in Iraq.

The story is ongoing, as people are still emailing me tips on things Tim Poe has said at other times, and even the New York Post is on the hunt now, including talking to Poe's ex-wife....

Poe’s ex-wife, Kelly Ballard, said she has never heard her former spouse stutter like he did on the show.

“There were no combat injuries,” said Ballard from her Texas home. “I think he developed a ‘feel sorry for me’ stutter.” [...]

He claimed that had he not been injured, he might never have discovered his singing voice. But Ballard said years earlier, he was the lead singer in a band called “Crawlspace.”

Show producers said they first learned only yesterday that Poe had been lying.

As all this was breaking yesterday, one guy on Facebook stood up to defend America's Got Talent and Poe, saying:

Really people don’t you think the show would do there research before televising his addition as well as the network. The net work dose full on back grounds on the contestant and there stories before the show even comes out let alone be put on air and I’m sure if your story was true about Tim Poe the US Military would of already came out to say he lying after all these addition were over a month ago. I do respect and support are troops but this just seems like bullying to me.

Well actually, no, their lack of research on this guy doesn't surprise me at all. As a nearly full-time Stolen Valor hunter, we find this all the time, whether on TV or in some print medium.

Within the next few weeks the Supreme Court will rule on whether the Stolen Valor Law remains legally binding. Some claim that it is a violation of the First Amendment, and that no one is harmed by these phonies. Yeah, well tell that to my little nieces who were so moved by this guy's story, only to have to be told by their Uncle that sometimes people lie to get attention. And unless the Supreme Court upholds the law, Poe will get away with his lies without even being sent to bed without dinner.

Comments

If this is what the guy needs to do to make himself feel better, and to puff up his own ego he will regret it in the future. It is only because he never really faced the troubles he wanted to so he made them up.

So I'm assuming you're not an american when you call us "drama hungry americans right"? Just because these comments weren't to your liking? What a puss! I'm a disabled war veteran and was I was really pissed when I heard about this guy. Then we got thin skinned people like you. I'm a proud american who loves his country and it's people. Apparently you never served in the military that's why it's so easy for you to come off with a stupid remark like that. I hope they do pass a law against these wanna heros. It just gives us vets a bad rep.

So I'm assuming you're not an american when you call us "drama hungry americans right"? Just because these comments weren't to your liking? What a puss! I'm a disabled war veteran and was I was really pissed when I heard about this guy. Then we got thin skinned people like you. I'm a proud american who loves his country and it's people. Apparently you never served in the military that's why it's so easy for you to come off with a stupid remark like that. I hope they do pass a law against these wanna heros. It just gives us vets a bad rep.

John u obviously like to get us real Americans going. Just one thing obviously you don't care about us and our country so you should find another place to go that will give you different liberties. You should not enjoy any of these that we fought for since you obviously don't don't believe in the same cause that my brothers and sister both pass and present continue to serve for. Hope you find a new home soon and get out of My America.

there are plenty of soldiers who have been in combat who wont talk about being there. i find it ironic that he was overly eager to talk about it. i am surprised to hear that after he caught the RPG he didnt jump in the turret and take 500 enemies hostages out of ammo with nothing but a rock and his e-tool.

You got that right INARNG.... I personally hate talking about what I did to my PTSD therapist... It all just comes back and so does the RAGE! "Balls of the Eagle Sir!" Sure as hell a lot of em out there though, Wanna Be's... F--k Em. Sir!

there are plenty of soldiers who have been in combat who wont talk about being there. i find it ironic that he was overly eager to talk about it. i am surprised to hear that after he caught the RPG he didnt jump in the turret and take 500 enemies hostages out of ammo with nothing but a rock and his e-tool.

I was a Vietnam veteran in the rear with the gear. I'm not about to embroider my service into something indicating I suffered injuries that never happened. It's just a sign of the times that present day veterans find it necessary to inflate their military service to achieve the goal the are seeking.

John. I do respect your service and it does not matter wheather you were in the rear or in the shit. All that matters is that you served and went when your nation called. You as well as I have seen the FAKE Veitnam vet spouting BS about how he was special forces and killed 500 Veit Cong in one afternoon. When in reality he was a cook, slinging hash in the chow hall in germay for two years. I know I dont find him typical of that generation of war vets. He is a lost puppy that never really found inner piece with his true place in the world. I myself am a vetern of 6 tours to the desert and 1 to Kosovo and find it extemley distasteful that this guy did this. However, I dont think this is a trait of todays veterens. Yes we do get a lot better home coming than you guys got from Veitnam and owe many of the thanks for that, to you guys for it. I know I am gratefull to you for it. I know many other veterens of todays wars are just as likley not to talk about it to strangers or boost of thier adventures accross the sea. For one people tend to look at you a little weird when you tell them the true horrors of war. No one can really understand excpet the people that have laced up the boots and stepped off the plane or chopper or been scared shitless thinking of inpending death. I think this guy is just a sad soul that somehow never self identified with his role over in the desert.. He somehow felt that his service as a supply guy was not good enough. I for one feel sorry for him and especially the embarrasment that he has caused his family. He will forever be known as the war hero faker instead of the Veteren that served his country well.

John,
I don't believe it is "just a sign of the times." There have been hundreds of "liars and wanna bees" since the 1st World War and before that. The problem now is that with the internet and instant news from around the world, we, individually, hear more news than most of the world did as short as 60 years ago. We are so bombarded with information that no-one would have heard back then. Because of this, I say "I don't believe it is "just a sign of the times." "

I am a 20 yr Vietnam "Era" veteran getting ready to retire for good after putting in more sea time since Naval retirement 26 years ago.

We career military vets can spot a phony a mile away. I never saw this show but would be very suspicious of him if I did. We combat vets normally do not bring up the subject of war unless asked and then only briefly. We are proud we served (in combat) but hope we never have to do it again. Combat is HELL and nothing less. I was lucky, I came home but 20% disabled. This guy needs to be exposed at the highest level: CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, etc. and every social media outlet. I have no sympathy for him.

Sgt Poe is obviously a phoney! However, do we really want law against freedom of speech? You know the guv'mit will use a law that screws with the fist amendment to prosecute you for saying things that you think are innocuous and you will wind up in Leavenworth making gravel out of huge rocks. These morons, like Poe, usually get caught and we don't ned another infringement on our freedom. Read Judge Andrew Napolitano's writings!

This isn't a question of the First Amendment. Sgt. Poe was not expressing his political or religious views. He was committing fraud. He is trying to personally gain from a lie. He wanted sympathy of the judges and audience to help propel him forward on AGT. It is no different from someone posing as a victim of 9/11 or even posing as a police officer/fireman/paramedic. Fraud is fraud. It needs to be illegal and people like "Sgt." Poe (I put the quotes around Sgt. because he should lose that) should be exposed and prosecuted on a national stage to let others know that fraud like this will not be permitted.

This isn't a question of the First Amendment. Sgt. Poe was not expressing his political or religious views. He was committing fraud. He is trying to personally gain from a lie. He wanted sympathy of the judges and audience to help propel him forward on AGT. It is no different from someone posing as a victim of 9/11 or even posing as a police officer/fireman/paramedic. Fraud is fraud. It needs to be illegal and people like "Sgt." Poe (I put the quotes around Sgt. because he should lose that) should be exposed and prosecuted on a national stage to let others know that fraud like this will not be permitted.

What a shame for this lower than a snake's belly liar go on national television and give such a fabricated story. He brought shame on those who've served-past, present, and future-like my son who enters the Army this fall. I read earlier today that he says he has the papers to prove it. They are probably just as fake as his stutter.

I had not said anything for years that I had a Purple Heart only when asked and to protect my family because of what I did here in the states with the Air Force, because of people like him everything I did is in doubt I suppose.

At least the guy did serve and in combat zones. People have gambling habits, drug habits, and they get help this guy has a psychological problem and he needs help for his addiction. It did not start
on the show; it came to light on the show. The sad part is that he is a good singer and wd
have been sent to the next level anyway.

Actually I feel sorry for the guy. In our church we've been talking about the challenge of compassion . I think that means instead of crucifying someone , try to find out why they would do such a thing. Even the murderer of little children. Let me be clear, we're not condoning the act just trying to understand and in understanding, I guess you might interpret that as compassion. Evidently Mr Poe had a desperate need to be recognized. How that came about only he knows. An interesting movie on this subject is "Catch Me If You Can" with Tom Hanks and Leonardo De Caprio . It is not black and white as some would like to picture it. Have a little compassion.

I'M a veteran of 27 years active service in the Army. I'm appalled that he has been able to get away with this travesty. While I was on active duty, I remember the case of an officer that misrepresented his official record by adding awards that he was not entitled to. He was put in Fort Leavenworth for his actions. What about this TOAD!

Misrepresentation of oneself and the truth does not come from an emotionally strong and healthy mind. However dishonorable it is to claim merit not earned, it is most likely a symptom of a much larger issue. He will now deal with the fallout. Knowing those he served with would be exposed to his false claims on a national stage speaks to a huge cry for help or heavy narcissism. People have problems - he is one of them. Good post MOTHAX - love the buzz here.

Poe lied because that's what he does to feel important and maybe get sympaty. I know others that can't tell the truth to save them. No need for it, but they do and do it so easly. I have no use for them in my life. I knew when I was watching AGT that there was more to this story and felt down deep he waqs lying. I think Nick Cannon caught it too after he performed. I certainly didn't feel Poe was good enough to move on to the next round in Vegas but I also knew the judges were going to vote him through solely on his honorable lie. He discuss me and dishonors all our brave men and women who have fought, been injured and who have died protecting our freedom in this great land. God Bless

I am a veteran, not a wounded one but a veteran none the less. I am offended for all of those that sacrificed their lives and were disabled and wounded by this impostors attempt for sympathy to better himself. As I watched the show that night I commented to my wife that for the wounds he described there sure was no physical evidence of injury that, if the facts were valid, would have been evident. I say goodbye to him and all the others that come along riding the coat tails of the true American Heroes The law should absolutely apply. Maybe he needs to visit a Veterans hospital and meet the Heroes.
Thanks to all who served and God Bless America

Poe found a lowly way to SCAM. Only to gain the heart felt sympathy of the American public. With this revealation he left the most sickening taste in the mouths of those AMERICAN VETERANS WHO HONORABLY SERVED WITH OR WITHOUT MEDALS OF VALOR. For a man like Poe he will pay dearly in shame for the rest of his life.

I say send him back to Afghanistan with the 173 Airborne so he can fulfill his need to see combat.....
Instant cure for wannabees...............................................................................................................................

I am a veteran that served six years active duty and only received a Good Conduct Medal. I did receive lots of paper awards, but only the one medal. I sure am proud that I was awarded that medal. Defending our Country and way of life has made me extremely proud to be an American. Unlike Poe, I don't have to lie to receive recognition for signing that blank check to our Country.

When peole used to ask me if I was a Viet Nam Vet I would tell them I was a Viet Nam 'ERA' Vet. I served in the U.S. Navy 1965 to 1969 and was never in the Pacific or 'in country'. I would not claim to have been thru what many of my friends did. I lost one classmate KIA that is enough. As far as I'm concerned this nimrod can join Hanoi Jane Fonda and burn in HELL!!

I am a Vietnam Era veteran and disabled. I worked with disabled veterans as a guidance employment couselor for 12 years and am a singer in a band. I did see the AGT performance and wiped tears from my eyes. He definitely has an emotional condition and should check out his closest VA facility for help, like many of us are doing. Thanks for your time in service, SGT Poe.

Problems with stolen valor is just like problems with disrespecting the American flag. As long as there's no REAL penalty for these actions it'll continue and get worse. I personally think these people are lower than the dirt beneath my feet. They're not causing any PHYSICAL hurt but emotional hurt and stress sometimes is worse. It's sad to when a country takes their freedoms for granted and forget the sacrifices our ancestors made to secure and help keep them. And it's sadder when a country forgets their wounded and missing.

I am not sure if my 26 months on two flight decks off the coast of Viet Nam count as combat since I wasn't on the beach. I didn't get a Purple Heart, but I broke my young ass with hard work on the big decks. I do have a DD214 which correctly lists my stuff.
Just an aside; after four years active duty I did spend four more years in the active reserve, for which there are no formal records, i.e. DD214. So what I did in the reserves is not recorded. Does the current reserves or National Gaurd have DD214 forms?

I believe they still have a form stating what they have done in the service--it had been a DD214 years ago I recall. If the National Guard soldier spent over 6 months federally called up, they rank the same as enlisted active duty personnel

Jack, DD-214's are only issued at the termination of a period of active duty. I am a 4 year Vietnam Era veteran of the USMC and had a follow-on career in the Air National Guard of 31 years. While in the Guard I served on active duty in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The Air Guard is a component of the Air Force. I got a DD-214 for all periods of active duty, and an NGB Form 22F for my ANG reserve duty. The Reserves must have some equivalent to the Guard's NGB Form 22.

No, they don't count as combat (you weren't under fire were you?) but depending on exactly where the ship(s) were stationed the do count as time in a combat zone.

If you spent 4 years in the ACTIVE reserve (as you indicated) that time is recorded and schools, awards and decorations, promotions, and time definitely show up on your official DD214. Did you maybe mean INACTIVE Reserve in which case since you were not attending schools or other training and weren't getting awards and decorations there isn't anything to be added to the DD214 you received at the end of your active enlistment other than completion of reserve commitment.

I'm curious about his last deployment only being 1 month - July 28 - Aug. 30, 2009. I'm from Minn. and I don't know of any units only being over there for a month. There's something that's not being said here - why only 1 month? An injury would explain it, but so could a fabricated story that hoodwinked the army. I wonder if we will ever know. I bet we don't see him on AGT any more.

»sergio noble said...Commander Helms,
I don't know what your background is, but I detect private industry experience, where employee conduct rules are cvered once a year, where malfeasance is not tolerated..Read comment

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News from the World of Military and Veterans Issues. Iraq and A-Stan in parenthesis reflects that the author is currently deployed to that theater.